In Honor of Lonnie

Lonnie’s Story

Welcome to my CaringBridge website. I've created it to keep Lonnie's family and many friends updated about his current condition and progress since his tragic accident on May 29, 2010. Get started by reading the introduction to my website, My Story.

Visit often to read the latest journal entries, visit the photo gallery, and write a note in the guestbook. He really enjoys reading them.

Please keep Lonnie in your thoughts and prayers.

Lonnie was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on Saturday morning, May 29, 2010. He was struck by a driver who crossed over the center line. Lonnie was airlifted to Saint Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN and admitted to the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit. He is in critical condition and was found to have multiple fractures and serious injuries. His recovery will take many months.

The highway patrol who assisted at the accident confirmed that the driver of the car (Micheal Holman) was totally at fault and was driving while under the influence of controlled substances. He was taken into custody and will be arraigned on Tuesday.The toxology report revealed the following substances in Holman's blood: Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Methodone and Clonazepam.

Latest Journal Update

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Many friends have asked for an update on Lonnie's status. We've been visiting the VA in Minneapolis quite frequently these past months. Lonnie keeps amazing everyone (imagine that) and they have been extremely helpful and accommodating with helping him to get mobility back into his life:

We received some terrific news this morning! Sara (Social Worker at the VA-Mpls.) called to give us details from the meeting.The teams from the Amputee Clinic and the TBI Clinic met yesterday afternoon to discuss Lonnie's recent neuro-psych test results and the impact on whether he is medically capable to drive safely. The decision at the meeting was that Lonnie is ready to proceed with the driver's state road test..oh thank God! Because of liabilities and responsibility, this decision is taken very seriously. Two weeks ago, Lonnie completed additional testing at the VA, and we returned again last week to review the results. In the beginning of the month, Lonnie completed a five day, driver's training course with hand controls. He started out driving on a closed course in a VA parking lot. He expressed the fact that he was about to go crazy...around and around. The next day, he proceeded into the residential areas and finally, he completed the last 2 days of training, driving on the Minneapolis highways. Lonnie cruised to Burnsville and drove throughout the surrounding areas. Believe it or not, he paralled parked the vehicle on his first try. Awesome job Lonnie! He hadn't been behind the wheel of a vehicle for over 2 years and had never used hand controls, ever. Simply amazing! Sara is currently working on a RX for vehicle modifications: hand controls and a Bruno Stow Away (scooter lift). The Stow Away will be installed into the box of Lonnie's truck and will allow him to lift his scooter out of the box and set it down on the ground, next to him...all done by remote control. Dr. Jakala is in the process of writing the letter to the DMV, stating that Lonnie is medically able to drive and can proceed with the state road test. Jessica (OT) is in the process of scheduling the driver's road test. Lonnie will be allowed to test with the VA training vehicle and Jessica will accompany him to the test site. Say a prayer, cross your fingers, send the positive vibes his way.. anything to help Lonnie pass the driver's test. It means soooooo much to him. There will be a few restrictions for now, but Lonnie will be a free bird!! Find an open chair guys... he'll be back at coffee soon. Who ever believed that Lonnie would spend the rest of his life in a skilled nursing facility?...not this dude!